Where to Geaux Eat, Stay, and Play in Florence, Italy
Florence (Firenze) is a treasure trove of Renaissance art, architecture, food, fashion, and Italian charm. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re returning, here are the best things to do, stay and eat in Florence.
Michelangelo’s David at the Accademia Gallery
Start the day by visiting the Galleria dell’Accademia, home to Michelangelo’s iconic David statue. Explore the other Renaissance sculptures and artworks in this renowned gallery. Go early or book a timed entry to avoid crowds.
Climb the Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore)
One of the most recognizable domes in the world, designed by Brunelleschi. Climb the 463 steps to the top for breathtaking views over Florence. Visit the Cathedral, Crypt, Baptistry, and Bell Tower while you’re there. Pro tip: Reserve Duomo climb in advance. No elevator, so wear comfy shoes!
Visit the Uffizi Gallery
The Uffizi Gallery is home to masterpieces by Da Vinci, Caravaggio, Botticelli, Raphael and more. This is one of the most important art museums in the world. Plan for at least 2–3 hours. Skip the line by booking a timed ticket or guided tour
Walk Across the Ponte Vecchio
The Ponte Vecchio is Florence’s most famous bridge, lined with gold and jewelry shop. It’s historic, romantic, and perfect for sunset photos. Visit nearby Ponte Santa Trinita for the best view of Ponte Vecchio.
Take a Day Trip to Tuscany (Wine, Villas, Views)
Take a small-group tour departing from Florence to visit nearby Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa with lunch at a Winery. Or, book a private off road tour that takes you on the back gravel streets of Tuscany visiting wineries including lunch along the way.
Watch the Sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo
End the day with a sunset view from Piazzale Michelangelo, a hilltop square offering panoramic views of Florence’s skyline. This 19th-century piazza has a bronze replica of Michelangelo’s David & panoramic views over the city.
Florence is known for handmade leather goods — bags, belts, jackets, shoes. Visit San Lorenzo Market for leather stalls or Scuola del Cuoio for quality pieces. Boutique shops in Oltrarno for handmade paper, gold, and ceramics.
Portrait Firenze – Lungarno Collection
Luxury hotel near Ponte Vecchio with Elegant suites with Arno River views part of the Ferragamo family’s hotel collection.
The St Regis is housed in a 15th-century palace located right on the river near Santa Maria Novella with Lavish interiors, butler service, and Michelin-star dining,
Hotel Calimala is walking distance to Uffizi, Duomo, Ponte Vecchio and has a rooftop terrace with bar + pool and 360° views of Florence. Perfect for travelers who love curated interiors, rooftop cocktails, and a central location with flair
Near the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and Piazza Signoria, this place has a central location, without breaking the bank. It’s so lovely to be able to walk right outside your hotel and be in the heart of it all! Near Basilica di San Lorenzo.
Hotel Savoy is a grand and historic luxury hotel, set in the heart of Florence. Great for luxury travelers who want to be in the heart of it all.
Hotel Pendini (Mid-Range)
Hotel Pendini is a historic hotel with great views and close to all major attractions overlookong Piazza della Repubblica and ideal for travelers seeking a central location with great value.
From riverside palazzos to hidden garden escapes, Florence offers a stay for every type of traveler — and every corner seems like a postcard. Whether you want high fashion or humble beauty, the city delivers in style.
Florence is a dream for food lovers — whether you’re craving an iconic street sandwich, a cozy trattoria dinner, or amazing pizza.
Osteria Pastella is located in the heart of Florence close by Basilica di Santa Maria Novella and is known for fresh handmade pasta — especially their tableside truffle pasta show, where they toss pasta in a giant wheel of Parmigiano-Reggiano and shave truffle on top.
Buca Mario is one of the oldest restaurants in Florence, serving since 1886 and famous for bistecca alla Fiorentina — a must-try dish if you’re into Tuscan cuisine. Authentic interior with brick arches and white tablecloths with excellent service, local wine, and deep-rooted tradition
La Giostra is known for its romantic ambiance and creative takes on Tuscan classics like pear and pecorino ravioli and slow-cooked wild boar. It has excellent pasta and Florentine steak.
GustaPizza is a florentine institution, known for Napoli-style pizza with blistered crusts. It’s affordable, fast, and iconic — locals and students line up. Try the Margherita or heart-shaped pie
All’Antico Vinaio
The most famous panino spot in Florence to get huge focaccia sandwiches with Tuscan cold cuts, pecorino, truffle cream. Expect a line but it moves quickly. Other amazing sandwich shops are I girone de ghiotti, Sandwichic and Pinos.
From rooftop spritzes to wine windows tucked in centuries-old palazzos — Florence pours style in every sip. Here’s where to drink like a local.
SE·STO on Arno – The Westin Excelsior
Sleek rooftop with panoramic views of the Arno River and Duomo
Angel Roofbar
The views from this rooftop terrace are not all that exciting…you do get a wonderful view of Palazzo Vecchio and you can see the front of the Duomo (from one prime spot on the outdoor terrace), but you cannot see the dome from this rooftop bar.
View on Art Rooftop Cocktail Bar
Located in Hotel Medici and amazing view of the Duomo. Reservations are on first come first serve basis. Go for a drink and the view but eat elsewhere. Early evening best.
B-Roof – Hotel Baglioni
Sitting on top of Grand Hotel Baglioni is a rooftop bar and restaurant. Together, the restaurant and rooftop bar span the entire top level of the hotel, so it’s a huge indoor and outdoor space with 360° views of Florence.
Divina Terrazza – Grand Hotel Cavour
Perched on the 6th floor with breathtaking views of both the Duomo and Palazzo Vecchio, this rooftop serves creative cocktails and fine wines. Reservations are essestial.
Book major attractions in advance. The Uffizi Gallery, Accademia Gallery (to see Michelangelo’s David), and the Duomo climb often sell out days or weeks ahead—especially in peak season.
Learn the museum “free days” and closures – State museums (like the Uffizi and Accademia) are free on the first Sunday of every month, but they’ll be much busier.
Understand the Duomo ticket system. The cathedral itself is free to enter, but climbing the Brunelleschi Dome, the Bell Tower, and accessing the Baptistery require a combined ticket—valid for 72 hours. Reserve your dome climb time slot in advance.
There’s no Uber or Lyft in Florence—only licensed taxis. Taxis don’t usually cruise for hails; you’ll need to find a taxi stand, call ahead, or have a restaurant/hotel call for you.
Florence’s main train station, Santa Maria Novella (SMN), connects to Pisa (~1 hour), Siena (~1.5 hours by bus/train combo), Bologna (~35 min), and Rome (~1.5 hours by high-speed train). Always validate regional train tickets before boarding (machines are on the platform) to avoid fines.